Apple has postponed the next-generation iPhone Air, taking the model off its fall 2026 schedule after weaker-than-expected demand for the first-generation version. The Information reports that Apple informed engineers and suppliers about the change without assigning a new release window. The report cites three people involved in the project and describes the decision as rare for Apple’s product planning.
iPhone Air 2 Delay
The iPhone Air 2 was originally planned to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Fold next fall. Before the delay, Apple had been developing several upgrades for the device, including:
- A lighter design than the current iPhone Air
- A larger battery capacity
- A vapor chamber cooling system similar to the one in the iPhone 17 Pro
- A potential dual-camera setup, based on a supply chain report from last week
With the model removed from the schedule, these planned features are now uncertain. However, the report notes that the device has not been cancelled; some engineers and manufacturing partners continue to work on it, but without a confirmed timeline.
Production Changes
Demand for the first-generation iPhone Air has reportedly fallen short of expectations. As a result:
- Foxconn has dismantled most of its production lines for the device, keeping only one and a half active
- The company expects to halt production entirely by the end of the month
- Luxshare ended its iPhone Air production at the end of October
These reductions are cited as key contributors to the delay.
Possible New Timeline
With the iPhone Air 2 removed from the 2026 lineup, Apple is now expected to introduce three models next fall:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone Fold
Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 and the more affordable iPhone 18e are expected to launch in spring 2027. One source told The Information that the iPhone Air 2 may be undergoing a significant redesign. If development continues along that path, Apple could still release the updated model in spring 2027 alongside the iPhone 18 and the 18e.